How To Write Like a Duke or Duchess: A Guide To Regency Era Stationery For Bridgerton and Period Drama Fans

In the age of elegant dances and Jane Austen, the art of letter writing was more than just a means of communication in the Regency era (roughly 1811 to 1820). Correspondence was a social performance governed by strict etiquette. From the quality of the paper to the elaborate wax seals; every detail held meaning.

Embark on a journey into the delightful world of Regency-era stationery. Discover the secrets of writing like a Duke or Duchess and the origins of mass-produced greeting cards. Perfect if you're a fan of Bridgerton or Period Dramas. Traditions that transformed a simple piece of paper into a powerful tool for building relationships, courtship, and social climbing.

1. Gilded Age Greetings: Greeting cards were not mass-produced in the early Regency Era (1811-1820). Instead, most were handcrafted. Ladies decorated folded paper with watercolours, pressed flowers, or intricate wax seals. Personalised messages were penned with quills dipped in inkwells. You can imagine the time and effort that went into these heartfelt creations.

2. Etiquette Extravaganza: The proper use of stationery was a crucial social skill. Folding a letter correctly, using appropriate wax seals, and maintaining neat penmanship all conveyed social status and refinement. Strict social etiquette dictated specific types of paper and ink for different purposes. Black ink on cream paper was standard for formal correspondence, while colourful inks and decorative borders were reserved for informal notes.

3. Postage Pioneers: The English invention of the Penny Black postage stamp in 1840 spurred a surge in inexpensive, pre-printed greeting cards aimed at the working class. Before this, postal services were incredibly expensive and the recipient was responsible for paying the bill. The world's first adhesive postage stamp, the Penny Black revolutionised communication. It was adorned with an image of a young Queen Victoria.

4. Sentimental Swoon: Popular greeting cards often featured sentimental poems, romantic imagery (like doves or flowers), or even musical scores for a more emotional touch. These designs aimed to be both elegant and meaningful.

5. Caricature Craze: Satirical greeting cards featuring humorous caricatures of politicians and celebrities became a fad in the Regency era. Offering a light-hearted commentary on society, these illustrations were often grotesque exaggerations. They also poked fun at popular fashions of the time.

6. Sombre Statements: Elaborately designed black-bordered stationery was used for mourning announcements and condolences. The thickness of the border and the quality of the paper indicated the closeness of the relationship between the sender and the deceased. Intricate flourishes or emblems were replaced with simple designs. In stark contrast to the vibrant colours and playful illustrations used in happier times. This shift in stationery served as a visual reminder of loss.

7. Language of Flowers: Victorians (who overlapped slightly with the Regency era) incorporated the 'language of flowers' into their greetings. Specific flowers held symbolic meaning. This allowed for coded messages and playful flirtation to be conveyed discreetly. A vibrant red rose whispered passionate love, while a delicate pink one hinted at budding affection. Forget-me-nots expressed loyalty, while a single tulip declared eternal devotion; adding a layer of intrigue to the art of courtship.

8. European Fancies: French and Italian greeting cards were highly sought-after for their ornate designs and superior paper quality. These countries are known for their paper production to this day. Many of Coulson Macleod's designs are printed on such papers!

9. Wax Seal Security: The purpose of a wax seal was not just to keep the letter or envelope closed. Sealing letters with wax and a personal signet ring was a common practice for security and decoration. It was a mark of authentication. Red was the most common colour used but special wax colours and symbolic motifs further personalised the communication.

10. The Rise of Retail: Whilst most cards were handmade, the Regency era saw the rise of commercial greeting cards. Stationery shops, particularly in London, became popular destinations for fashionable ladies to purchase pre-made greeting cards and writing supplies. Luxury stationery sets quickly became popular gifts. These often included beautifully designed paper, ornate quills, and wax seals contained in elegant boxes.

So, the next time you put pen to paper, take a moment to appreciate the rich history behind it. While email and instant messaging dominate our modern world, the elegance and intentionality of Regency-era stationery offer a timeless reminder of the power of the written word. Perhaps a handwritten note on a beautiful greeting card could be your way of carrying on a tradition that speaks volumes!